What kind of fish can be seen in Iriomote Island? Various fishes are introduced!
Table of Contents
- 1 What kind of fish can be seen in Iriomote Island? Various fishes are introduced!
- 2 Characteristics and Attractiveness of Fish Encountered in Iriomote Island
- 2.1 Why Iriomote Island is said to be one of the best fish watching spots in Japan Iriomote Island is one of the best fish-watching spots in Japan.
- 2.2 The Sea and Mangroves of Iriomote Island Nurture Unique fishes
- 2.3 What you need to know before looking at the Iriomote Island Fish Catalogue Basic Knowledge
- 3 Typical fish found in Iriomote Island (sea version)
- 3.1 Types of clownfish and points where they can be found
- 3.2 Colorful tropical fish (butterfly fish, snappers, etc.)
- 3.3 Found on reefs (coral reefs) Distinctive sea creatures
- 3.4 Fish that live on rocky shores, such as groupers, snappers, and wrasses
- 3.5 Spots where you can encounter sea turtles and large fish.
- 4 Fish found in the mangroves of Iriomote Island
- 5 Fish Catalogue of Iriomote Island How to identify and observation points for beginners
- 6 To see fish in Iriomote Island Recommended Activities
- 7 Cautions and environmental conservation when viewing fish in Iriomote Island
- 8 Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about fish found in Iriomote Island
- 9 summary
What kind of fish can be seen in Iriomote Island?
Introducing a variety of fish!
Iriomote Island is one of the richest natural environments in Okinawa Prefecture, with a variety of oceans, rivers, and mangroves, and is home to an amazing variety of fish.
Here is a summary of information you should know before sightseeing, including the characteristics of fish found on Iriomote Island, typical types of fish, areas where they are easy to observe, and how to find them, which even beginners can enjoy!
◆Can be seen in Iriomote IslandfishIf you would like to know more about
◆Iriomote Island, looking for a spot where you can observe fish.
◆Snorkeling and canoeingActivitiesFor those who want to see fish in
Click here for Iriomote Island Tour Popularity Ranking
Characteristics and Attractiveness of Fish Encountered in Iriomote Island
The sea of Iriomote Island is famous for its adjacent coral reefs, open sea, mangroves, and rivers, where different fish can be observed in each environment.
Not only is the sea crystal clear, but the rich natural environment on land and the nutrient-rich water flowing into the sea create an environment conducive to the growth of fish and coral.
⬇︎Click here for an article about the creatures of Iriomote Island.
Iriomote Island is one of the best fish watching spots in Japan
Reasons why people say
The reason why Iriomote Island is considered the best place for fish watching is becauseDiverse habitatsare densely concentrated within a short distance". Ocean, river, and brackish water areas are connected by a short distance, and saltwater, brackish water, and freshwater fish can be observed at the same time.
Because of its proximity to the open sea, large migratory fish sometimes appear, making the island one of the most biodiverse in Japan.
Nurtured by the sea and mangroves of Iriomote Island
Unique fishes
Iriomote Island has one of Japan's largestmangrove forestis spread out and plays an important role for fish as a hiding place for fry.
Juvenile fish grow up protecting themselves in mangroves and then migrate to coral reefs and the open ocean.
Butterfly fish and sparrows are abundant in the shallows of the ocean, and gobies, flying gobies, and mullet can be seen in the mangrove areas.
I want to know before looking at the Iriomote Island Fish Book.
fundamental knowledge
When utilizing a fish book, it is useful to understand the differences in color and pattern, the difference between adult and juvenile fish, and the tidal range.
Especially in Iriomote Island, the fish that can be seen change according to the difference in tidal levels, so it is efficient to observe them with an awareness of the time of day.
Typical fish found in Iriomote Island (sea version)
In the sea of Iriomote Island, you can encounter a wide variety of creatures, from tropical fish typical of Okinawa to large fish and sea turtles.
Types of clownfish and points where they can be found
A popular fish in Iriomote Island is the bear flea. Especially, the "clownfish (Balistoides conspicillum)The area is home to several species of fish, including the "Hookfish" and the "Hammerfish".
Because they live symbiotically with sea anemones, they settle in specific locations and are easy to spot even for beginners. Barasu Island and Hoshisuna Beach are known as points with particularly high encounter rates.
Colorful tropical fish
(butterfly butterflyfish, sparrow fish, etc.)
In the shallow coral reefs, you can observe brightly colored tropical fish such as yellow butterflyfish and blue lurid snappers. There are many different species, and you can enjoy the differences by comparing them.
Found on reefs
Distinctive sea creatures
Coral reefs are home to a variety of creatures in addition to fish. Bryozoans are important because they eat coral and make sand.
Also, large groupers can be found lurking behind rocks, providing a powerful underwater sighting.
Fish that live on rocky shores, such as groupers, snappers, and wrasses
Many unique fish such as groupers, snappers, and wrasse can be seen on the rocks. The snappers have beautiful bright colors, and the wrasses are fun to watch as they swim around agilely.
Spots where you can encounter sea turtles and large fish.
Iriomote Island has a high encounter rate of sea turtles, especiallygreen turtle (Chelonia mydas)are popular for their graceful swimming in the shallows.
Large migratory fish can be seen around Barasu Island and Funauki, making for a powerful experience.
⬇︎For articles about fishing for fun at sea, click here.
Fish found in the mangroves of Iriomote Island
The mangroves of Iriomote Island have a unique ecosystem that differs from both the sea and rivers.
Mangrove Tour
Click here to see the popularity ranking
What are "brackish water fish" unique to mangroves?
Brackish water is an environment where seawater and freshwater mix, and is home to many species of mullet, flying gobies, and gobies. At low tide, flying gobies can be observed moving on the ground.
Goby, flying goby and other tidal flat fish
The mudflats are represented by flying gobies moving on the mud. Smaller goby species are also a highlight as they build burrows and work around them.
Typical fish such as mangrove jacks
The reddish-brown mangrove jack spends its juvenile years in brackish water. They are often found hiding behind rocks or at the base of the rocks, and canoeing is a good way to find them.
Freshwater fish and creatures that can be observed in the river and waterfall basin
The river is crystal clear, and freshwater creatures such as fish, shrimp, and crabs can be observed. The waterfall basin has particularly clear water and is a spot where you can see fish in action up close.
⬇︎ Click here to see the article about Iriomotejima "waterfall" tour.
River fish such as ayu, tilapia, etc.
The Ryukyu Ayu, a representative freshwater fish of Iriomote Island, is a rare species that prefers clear streams. Tilapia is a non-native species, which has established itself in some rivers, so attention to the ecosystem is necessary.
Iriomote Island Fish Illustrated Book
Distinction and observation points for beginners
The use of an illustrated book makes it easier to identify fish and increases the enjoyment of observation.
Tips for identifying fish by color, pattern, and shape
When identifying a fish, you should use "Body shape, pattern and colorIt is important to identify the species by its shape and size. It is easier to identify butterfly fish by noting their characteristics, such as the rounded shape of butterfly fish and the small size and agility of sparrowhawks.
Characteristics of popular fish in Iriomote Island shown in photos
Because of the differences in the appearance of underwater photographs from the real thing, it is useful to check the differences in color and pattern in multiple photographs.
Differences among species of clownfish (e.g., clownfish, clownfish, etc.)
Clownfish species can be distinguished by the number of white lines. Clownfish have three white lines, while clownfish have one.
To see fish in Iriomote Island
Recommended Activities
Popular activities for fish watching are snorkeling, canoeing, and SUP.
snorkeling
Snorkeling is fun even for beginners as there are many fish from the shallows. Clownfish and tropical fish can often be seen at Barasu Island and Hoshisuna Beach.
Click here for ⬇︎ recommended snorkeling tours.
Learn more about snorkeling at ⬇︎
canoe
Canoeing through the mangrove area, you can see creatures that are different from those in the sea, such as the goby, flying goby, and mangrove jacks.
Click here for ⬇︎ recommended canoe tours.
Learn more about canoeing at ⬇︎
SUP
SUP is an activity that allows you to observe the water from the surface with a wide field of view, so you can even see the shadows of fish.
Click here for ⬇︎ recommended SUP tours.
Learn more about ⬇︎SUP
Cautions and environmental conservation when viewing fish in Iriomote Island
When observing fish on Iriomote Island, it is important to observe them while preserving nature.
What you can do to protect mangrove ecosystems
Observe the mangroves in an environmentally friendly manner, avoiding stepping on their roots or digging through the mud.
Do not bring in or bring out
No footprints
It is important not to take natural materials home and not to leave trash behind. Be careful not to bring in exotic species.
Manners to enjoy the nature of Iriomote Island
By following the guide's instructions and observing wildlife at a distance that does not startle them, you can enjoy yourself while protecting nature.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about fish found in Iriomote Island
Recommended for beginners are Barasu Island and Hoshisuna Beach. Even in shallow water, there are many fish and the transparency of the water is high.First TimeBut you can observe them with peace of mind.
Before and after low tide, there are many species of gobies such as the flying goby.Fish in the mud flatsThe time of day is the best time to observe them, as they are more active. Gobies may be seen from their burrows at high tide.
Sea turtles are highly encountered around Barasu Island and Funauki. Green turtles in particular arefordThe fish can be seen swimming leisurely in the
summary
Iriomote Island is a "treasure house of living things" where sea, river, and mangrove are condensed. You can observe a variety of species such as bears, tropical fishes, brackish fishes, and freshwater fishes in the river.
There are many discoveries to be made just by strolling around with a fish illustrated book in hand, and by observing while preserving nature, you will be able to appreciate the charm of Iriomote Island even more deeply. Please enjoy your encounter with diverse fish at the site.
⬇︎ Read the article at ⬇︎
